Melissa Doberstein

Education

• BA, Political Science, The State University of New York at Buffalo
• M.Ed., Higher Education Administration, The State University of New York at Buffalo

Biography

Melissa joined the Presidential Leadership Academy (PLA) in March of 2009. She is responsible for the overall planning, implementation and administration of the PLA. Previously, Melissa worked as a Coordinator in the Office of Residence Life and as the Student Volunteer Coordinator in the Undergraduate Admissions Office at Penn State. She served as a Penn State Administrative Fellow to the Vice-President of Human Resources and Chief Human Resources Officer during the 2023-24 academic year. A Long Island native, she earned her undergraduate degree in Political Science and her Master's Degree in Higher Education Administration at The State University of New York at Buffalo.

Melissa also is a Penn State fitness instructor, where she strives to promote wellness for all. She holds certifications in Barre/Pilates, Schwinn Cycling, and National Exercise Trainers Association in Full Body Conditioning. Her and her husky, Ace, are a certified therapy team with Alliance of Therapy Dogs. Melissa lives in State College, PA with her husband, son, and two Siberian Huskies.